Jeff Green is giving us a huge lift, I think Avery’s giving us a huge lift,” Garnett said. “Shav is playing unbelievable basketball. I think he’s found his little niche in here. That’s what you need. You need a good strong 11, if not eight, whatever the rotation is. We have some chemistry and rhythm with that group.”

As for Pierce’s playoff projection with Garnett?

“I’ve always felt better,” he said. “I know what I have in there, I know who’s willing to fight, who’s not going to lay down. I’d take a bunch of fighters over some skill people any day.